Diseases & Disorders

All Diseases & Disorders Content

Several chickens in chicken coup. Some are resting lethargically.

Importance of Chicken Infectious Bronchitis Virus: Q&A

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a coronavirus that infects chicken flocks, causing respiratory disease. Some IBV isolates can result in a kidney disease (nephritis). Drop of egg production in laying hens is an important sign for IBV infection.

A close shot of a cow's eye. The cow seems to be in pain.

Toe Abscess (Toe Tip Necrosis) in Feeder Cattle

Toe abscess (toe tip necrosis) is most commonly seen in feedlot cattle and is likely subsequent to excessive abrasive damage to the hoof, especially the toe tip. Feet may become infected when the white line is damaged which opens the claw to bacteria, dirt and manure.

Single red and white cow standing in harvested cornstalks.

Grain Overloads: A Possible Consequence of Cornstalk Grazing

Corn residues are a great source of winter feed, but in certain situations, cattle producers should be aware of the possibility of grain overloads, which can impact herd health.

Blood sample sitting on a countertop in a veterinary lab.

Minimizing the Neospora Threat by Using Serology in Beef Replacement Heifer Selection

Neospora caninum is one of the lesser-known causes of infectious reproductive failure in beef herds. It’s always possible for herds to encounter new Neospora infections in a given year, but in herds in which it’s already established, using Neospora serology can be one consideration in choosing replacement heifers.

Ranchers observing a small group of cattle at pasture.

Johne’s Disease Testing in Beef Herds: Testing Plans and Responses

While still somewhat imperfect, testing herd animals for Johne’s Disease is an appropriate tool for producers and their veterinarians to begin to get a handle on the level of infection and to implement sound strategies for limiting the disease’s effects.

Veterinarian and rancher reviewing testing information on a tablet.

Johne’s Disease Testing in Beef Herds: Looking at the Available Tests

Once thought to be a dairy cattle problem, Johne’s Disease is increasingly a topic of conversation for beef seedstock and commercial producers alike. An understanding of the Johne’s Disease testing options available is a good first step in devising a herd health plan.

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Fire Blight

Fire blight is a disease that can infect apples, pears, and certain ornamental species including crabapples, cotoneaster, and mountain ash. Occasionally it may also appear on cherries, plums, Juneberry (also called Serviceberry or Saskatoon), and raspberry. This disease, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, can damage blossoms, fruit, leaves, shoots, and branches. If it is not controlled, fire blight may kill the entire tree or shrub. Infected tissue cannot be cured, but will need to be removed from the tree to prevent further spread.

a person putting tomatoes into a bag.

Growing Tomatoes in South Dakota

Few vegetables inspire us more than home-grown tomatoes, bursting with vine-ripe flavor. Tomatoes are easy to grow in containers or in the ground, and are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as cancer-fighting lycopenes.

A crate filled with fresh vegetables.

Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes and Other Vegetables

Publication about the symptoms, causes and management of blossom end rot on tomatoes and other vegetables.

Outside entrance to a large-animal veterinary clinic.

COVID-19 and Livestock: Is there a connection?

When reports of the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the US, very few people had likely heard of coronaviruses—with some notable exceptions: cattle producers and their veterinarians.